When renowned businessman and sports magnate Robert Kraft tied the knot with Dr. Dana Blumberg in 2022, their elaborate wedding sparked significant interest. Reports and photos of their lavish affair left many wondering – how old is Robert Kraft‘s new wife, exactly? What‘s the story behind this surprising relationship?
Kraft, owner of the dominant New England Patriots football franchise, became a household name over his decades steering the team to six Super Bowl wins. However, another aspect of his life garnered attention when his relationship with Blumberg took center stage.
Let‘s delve into the captivating love story between Robert Kraft and wife Dana Blumberg, revealing new details that paint a fuller picture.
Robert Kraft‘s Life and Marriage Prior to Dana Blumberg
To appreciate this new chapter, we must first understand Robert Kraft‘s life leading up to it. Kraft married his college sweetheart Myra Nathalie Hiatt in 1963 when they were just 20 years old. Myra came from a modest background but was dedicated to giving back to others.
Over their 48-year marriage, Myra and Robert became renowned for their philanthropy. According to long-time friend Suzanne Siegal, Myra "cared very little for the flashiness of wealth. She wanted to use their resources to do good."
Myra served as President of the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation and focused on supporting education, healthcare, youth sports, and local non-profits. She won awards like the Anti-Defamation League‘s Distinguished Community Service Award for her prolific community leadership.
The Krafts raised four sons together and their union was held up as an example of enduring, unwavering love. Myra supported Robert fully as he purchased the struggling Patriots in 1994 and built them into a dynasty.
So when Myra tragically passed in 2011 at age 68 after battling ovarian cancer, Robert was understandably devastated. According to son Daniel Kraft, his father would cry daily at the loss of his mother and wife of almost 50 years.
Robert Kraft‘s Road to Finding Love Again
Losing Myra after so many years of marriage left a massive void for Robert Kraft. At age 70, the thought of dating again seemed unfathomable.
For five years, Kraft remained focused on his grief and his family. But in 2016, he began to entertain the notion of finding companionship once more. As he emerged from mourning, he was open to whatever may come his way.
In July 2017, Kraft was surprised by a lavish 70th birthday bash thrown for him by his closest friends. The private party, held at the famed La Costa resort near San Diego, included touching video tributes from his sons.
It was there he first met and was instantly struck by Dr. Dana Blumberg, a physician based in New York City. As Blumberg remarked later, "I was just enjoying myself with friends. Robert was as gracious and charming as the first day I met him." She found him warm, funny, and kind.
For Kraft, their initial meeting felt like destiny, saying there was an instant familiarity. He often remarked feeling "God‘s hand at work" in their introduction.
Against the odds, the seeds of an unlikely romance between Kraft and Blumberg were planted that fateful day.
All About Dr. Dana Blumberg, Robert Kraft‘s Wife
So who is the woman who captured Robert Kraft‘s heart? Dr. Dana Blumberg was an associate professor of medicine at Columbia University‘s College of Physicians and Surgeons with an impressive array of credentials.
She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania‘s prestigious Management and Technology dual degree program. From there, she earned her medical degree from Cornell University‘s Weill Cornell Medical College, focusing on internal medicine.
Blumberg went on to train in primary care at Brigham and Women‘s Hospital in Boston. She spent eight years working with low-income HIV patients during the AIDS crisis.
Driven by purpose, she later shifted to academia and became an award-winning educator at Columbia, training future doctors. A former student calls her "the most insightful clinical diagnostician I have worked with."
Beyond her professional accomplishments, those close to Blumberg describe her as brilliant yet approachable, confident but warm. She became fast friends with Robert‘s family.
According to Robert‘s son Josh Kraft, "Dana fits in so well with our family. She makes my dad really happy." Her empathetic nature and giving spirit reminded them of Myra.
The Relationship Builds: From First Date to Wedding Bells
Robert and Dana‘s fairy-tale love story officially kicked off with their first date to a Michael Jackson concert in September 2017. From there, the relationship gradually grew closer over flirty texts and calls between New York and Boston.
In January 2018, they went public, attending a Celtics game together and becoming a fixture courtside at Patriots games. Though they often were on opposite coasts, they made long-distance work with frequent visits and daily check-ins.
Dana grew close with Robert‘s sons and grandchildren, joining in on family traditions like their annual Christmas party. As Robert fondly said, “Dana completes me in every way.”
After 4 years nurturing their bond, Robert knew Dana was the one. In March 2022, he proposed with an epic 10-carat diamond ring, valued at $1 million.
According to Robert, the ring, a rectangular cut-diamond, “reminded me of Dana — radiant and elegant.”
With just family aware, they secretly began planning an October wedding alongside planners Mindy Weiss and Larry Flachs. The guest list was kept short at just 150 people for an intimate feel.
A Star-Studded, Fairy Tale Wedding
On October 15, 2022, Robert Kraft, 81, and Dana Blumberg, 47, married in a lavish ceremony at the Hall des Lumières in New York. The 34-year age gap between them became an endearing part of their romance’s story.
Dana walked down the aisle in a stunning custom Elie Saab gown with lace sleeves, a sweetheart neckline, and dramatic veil. According to Robert, “Seeing Dana appear in that dress took my breath away.”
The couple exchanged traditional Jewish vows under a flower-adorned chuppah in the glow of the hall’s chandelier lighting.
Close friends wiped away tears as they were declared husband and wife. The newlyweds then embarked on their first dance to John Legend‘s “All of Me” as crowds cheered.
Despite limiting the guest list for privacy, the event boasted some serious star power. Attendees included Tom Brady, Gisele Bundchen, Elton John, Ed Sheeran, Jon Bon Jovi, Kenny Chesney, Meek Mill, country singer Bailey Zimmerman, and more.
As Elton John noted, “You could feel the love Robert and Dana have for each other. It was beautiful.” The night was filled with touching toasts, delicious cuisine, and epic musical performances.
Guests remarked feeling they had been transported into a fairy tale. For the couple, it was a dream come true celebrating their love.
By the Numbers: Robert & Dana‘s Age Difference in Context
Much has been made of Robert and Dana‘s age gap, which raises questions – how old exactly was Dana Blumberg when she married the 81-year-old Robert Kraft?
Records confirm that Dana Anne Blumberg was born on March 26, 1975. At the time of her October 2022 wedding, she had recently turned 47 years old.
Thus, the age difference between Robert and Dana lands at around 34 years. On paper, this number seems wide but the couple never let it hinder their connection.
In fact, their age gap lands around average compared to other iconic pairings. Consider some other famous husband-wife differences:
- Michael Douglas & Catherine Zeta-Jones: 25 years
- Harrison Ford & Calista Flockhart: 22 years
- Alec Baldwin & Hilaria Baldwin: 26 years
- Jeff Bridges & Susan Geston: 17 years
So while Robert and Dana‘s romance transcends age gaps, their age difference is not an anomaly among celebrity couples. In the end, their maturity and priorities aligned – the foundation for lasting love.
Dispelling False Reports: Myra Kraft‘s Passing
Interestingly, some false reports indicated that Dana Blumberg was previously married to Robert but passed away in 2011 from cancer. However, these faulty details actually apply to Kraft‘s late first wife, Myra Kraft.
To set the record straight:
Myra Kraft died at age 68 on July 20, 2011 after battling ovarian cancer.
Dana Blumberg, maiden name Anne Blumberg, has never been previously married. She wed Robert Kraft in 2022 at age 47.
Unfortunately, these mistaken cancer reports merged details between Myra and Dana. But now the timeline is clear – Robert tragically lost his first wife Myra in 2011, then 11 years later, found love again with Dana in 2022.
Relationship Advice from the Krafts: Making Big Age Gaps Work
For those curious, how exactly did Robert and Dana make their sizable age gap work? They agree it came down to focusing on core compatibility.
In their case, they instantly clicked over shared values, interests, and life philosophies. As Robert notes, “Dana and I just understood each other from day one.”
They advise not letting age deter you from someone who fulfills you. As Dana said, “Robert and I never saw it as an obstacle. We simply enjoy each other’s company.”
The keys they cite to thriving across age differences in relationships:
- Don‘t fixate on age – focus on common interests and communication styles.
- Be open-minded – preconceived biases about age can blind you.
- Embrace humor – the ability to laugh together is key.
- Compromise – meet in the middle when disagreements occur.
- Respect differences – varyied perspectives can enrich your union.
At the end of the day, Robert and Dana‘s bond works because of their genuine friendship and respect for each other. While others may see their age gap, all they see is love.
A Union that Defies the Odds
When 81-year-old Robert Kraft and 47-year-old Dana Blumberg married, some scoffed it wouldn‘t last. But the couple has shown their formidable age difference holds no bearing on the power of their connection.
Against the odds, their story of finding love and devotion across over three decades in age inspires. It exemplifies that soulmates can enter our lives at any stage.
Both Dana and Robert regard their surprise union as a blessing. As Robert gushed, “Every day with Dana feels like a new adventure. After fearing I’d never find love again, Dana proved the old adage right – good things come when you least expect them.”
Their tangible joy and unwavering bond shine as a hopeful reminder that fairy tales can exist beyond the pages of a storybook. Robert and Dana found true love by daring to open their hearts without limits or conditions.
Sometimes, if we’re lucky, when it seems too late, life surprises us.